Ryan Donato Bio
Ryan Donato is an American professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Boston Bruins in the second round, 56th overall, in the 2014 NHL entry draft. He has previously played for the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, and Seattle Kraken. On October 12, 2021, Donato scored the first goal in Kraken franchise history in a 4–3 loss against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Donato was born on April 9, 1996, in Scituate, Massachusetts, USA. Growing up in a family with a strong hockey background, he was exposed to the sport from a young age. His father, Ted Donato, is a former NHL player and the current head coach of the Harvard Crimson, which influenced Ryan’s early interest in hockey. He played high school hockey at Dexter Southfield in Massachusetts, where he began to showcase his talent on the ice.
Path to Hockey
Ryan Donato’s journey in hockey began with his high school team, where he quickly made a name for himself. He was selected in the second round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins, marking a significant milestone in his career. After playing for Dexter, he made his junior debut with the South Shore Kings in the United States Premier Hockey League, and later finished with the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League. Committed to a collegiate career, he followed in his father’s footsteps by attending Harvard University.
Ryan Donato Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Ryan Donato made his professional debut in the NHL with the Boston Bruins during the 2018 season. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Bruins on March 18, 2018, after leading Harvard in scoring during the 2017–18 season. Donato made an immediate impact by scoring his first NHL goal and recording two assists in his debut game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He also made his playoff debut during the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Breakthrough (2019–2023)
In February 2019, Ryan Donato was traded to the Minnesota Wild, where he continued to develop his skills. He made his debut for the Wild shortly after the trade, recording two assists in his first game. After a successful stint with the Wild, he was traded to the San Jose Sharks in October 2020. Donato’s career took another turn when he signed with the Seattle Kraken in September 2021, where he scored the first official goal in franchise history. He enjoyed a productive season with the Kraken, contributing significantly to the team’s performance.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ryan Donato’s signature moment came when he scored the first goal in Seattle Kraken franchise history. He has also achieved personal milestones, including a career-high of 16 goals during the 2021–22 season. After two seasons with the Kraken, he signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 1, 2023, furthering his career in the NHL.
Ryan Donato Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ryan Donato has been recognized for his contributions on the ice, although specific award nominations have not been detailed in the provided information.
Ryan Donato Awards Won
While specific awards won by Ryan Donato are not listed, his achievements in scoring and contributions to his teams highlight his impact in the NHL.
Ryan Donato Family
Ryan Donato is married to Bradley Donato as of July 30, 2023. He is the son of Ted Donato, a former NHL player and current coach at Harvard University.
Personal Life
Ryan Donato maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his career in professional hockey. His marriage to Bradley Donato marks a significant milestone in his personal journey, alongside his successful career in the NHL.
